loading page

Improvement in Growth, Productivity, and Fruit Quality of Rain-Fed Sapota along with soil and moisture retention in Degraded Mahi Ravines through Soil and Moisture Saving Techniques
  • +7
  • vijay kakade,
  • Raj kumar,
  • Dinesh Jinger,
  • Amrut Morade,
  • Dhakshanamoorthy Dinesh,
  • Gaurav Singh,
  • S. B. Chavan,
  • Vanita Salunkhe,
  • Aliza Pradhan,
  • K. Sammi Reddy
vijay kakade
National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Raj kumar
ICAR Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation
Author Profile
Dinesh Jinger
ICAR Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation
Author Profile
Amrut Morade
National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management
Author Profile
Dhakshanamoorthy Dinesh
ICAR Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation
Author Profile
Gaurav Singh
ICAR Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation
Author Profile
S. B. Chavan
National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management
Author Profile
Vanita Salunkhe
National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management
Author Profile
Aliza Pradhan
National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management
Author Profile
K. Sammi Reddy
National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management
Author Profile

Abstract

Ravines represent an extreme form of land degradation. Soil and moisture saving techniques (SMSTs) have been identified as effective strategies for improving the fertility of degraded lands. Three SMSTs viz., intercrop of cow pea and castor on bench terrace (SCCBT) ii) bench terrace (SBT) iii) staggered trenches on natural slope (SSTS) and iv) sapota on natural slope (Control) were imposed to observe their impact on Sapota yield and quality, runoff, soil loss, and soil properties under rain-fed conditions during 2018-20. SMSTs have significantly affected plant growth, yield and quality and soil loss-runoff in degraded ravines. The highest tree height was observed in SBT on par with SCCBT and SSTS, and lowest in SS. Similar trend was observed in case canopy spread, canopy volume and collar diameter. Among the treatments, SCCBT recorded highest yield (38.3 kg tree -1) followed by SBT, SST and lowest in SS (16.8 kg tree -1). Pulp weight (55.55 g) and vitamin C (14.69 mg) was recorded higher in SCCBT and lowest in SS. SCCBT treatment reduced runoff by 44% and it was highest in SS. Despite this SCCBT exhibited significant higher soil loss. Terracing and trenches exhibited remarkable effect on EC, SOC, available major nutrients (NPK) compared to control. SCCBT and SBT treatments significantly had higher soil moisture (%) compare to control. Hence, the cultivation of sapota after implementing terracing and staggered trenches on natural slopes proves to be a viable approach for effectively utilizing degraded ravines while promoting productivity.
16 Jun 2023Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
16 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
16 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
18 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
24 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
10 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major